Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025!
Senior Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Commencement begins at 4:00 pm
William Jessup University – Main Chapel
2121 University Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765
Location: #26 on map
Ticket info: Students will be able to reserve up to 6 tickets. Ordering link coming soon!
Dress Code
Graduating seniors are required to purchase and wear a black matte cap and gown (see below for details) for the ceremony. Special occasion attire should be worn under the gown. Guidelines:
- Dresses, skirts, or nice pants outfit.
- Dress pants (khakis or dark colored is recommended), dress shirt; ties are optional.
- Try to avoid bright-colored bottoms or dresses/skirts that will be seen below the hem of a gown. Darker colors are better.
- Wear shoes in which you are comfortable and capable of walking up stairs.
- No jeans, shorts, or flip-flops are to be worn by any students.
- Students need to be in matte black graduation gown and cap (see link above to order).
- Decoration and/or embellishment on graduation caps are not permitted.
Where to Get Your Cap and Gown
You may order the mandatory matte black cap and gown on Amazon. Instructional funds cannot be used. All ceremony participants must have this cap and gown to walk in the ceremony.
Tassels will be provided to all graduates at the ceremony to keep.
Caps cannot be decorated.
If you have a financial need, please email ammie.avolio@cottonwoodk12.org
Graduation Awards & Recognitions
Name of Award
Recognition, Cord & Stole Colors
Description of Award
Cottonwood Academic
Excellence Award
Students will receive a
green and white cord
for graduation
12th grade award for students who earn a 3.75 or better GPA and complete a College/Career Indicator (CCI) GPA: will be calculated after the first 7 semesters of high school (following the Fall semester of 12th grade.) CCI: Students must have a CCI “Prepared” status by the end of the Spring semester of 12th grade.
A – G Completion
Students will receive a
forest green cord
for graduation
The A-G requirements are a set of high school courses students must complete with a grade of C or better to qualify for admission to UC and CSU. Students need 15 yearlong courses, with at least 11 finished before their senior year:
- History: 2 years
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)
- Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Foreign Language: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
- College Prep Elective: 1 year
Seal of Biliteracy
Students will receive a
white cord
for graduation and a
seal on their diploma
This recognition honors high school graduates who have achieved proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English.
National Honor Society
Students will receive a
blue and gold cord
for graduation
The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, service, character, and scholarship. NHS membership is a prestigious honor and is highly regarded by colleges and the community.
- 3.5 GPA
Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
Students will receive a
gold cord
for graduation and a
seal on their diploma
The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) is awarded by the California State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to recognize students who have demonstrated mastery in at least six subject areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and U.S. History.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
The valedictorian receives a gold stole and has the opportunity to give a speech at graduation.*
The salutatorian receives a white stole and has the opportunity to give a speech at graduation.*
To qualify for Valedictorian or Salutatorian, students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 120 units at The Cottonwood School
- Must be in 12th grade (11th-grade students graduating early do not qualify)
- Must have completed all A-G requirements
- Fall graduates of 12th grade cannot qualify
- Valedictorian is the student with the highest weighted GPA after the first semester of 12th grade
- A salutatorian is the student with the second-highest weighted GPA after the first semester of 12th grade
- In the event of a tie, Co-Valedictorians will be named.